Grave marker



May 31, 1932. R H W N GRAVE MARKER Filed June 6, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet l I nuenior A Home y y 1932- R. WHITMAN 1,860,915

GRAVE MARKER Filed-June 6. 1951 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I 6 Invenior A llorney Patented May 31, 1932 U E T. S ATEs RILEY WHITMAN, F VINOEITNESI, INDIANA GRAVE MARKER 1 I I Application filed June 6,

This invention relates to an improved grave marker constructed for individual usage on a grave in a cemetery or burial ground for identification of deceased persons.

In carrying the inventive conception into practice, I have found it expedient and practical to accomplish the desired results by providing a marker in the form of a substan- J tially rectangular box-like device to serve as a simple and economical substitute for a headstone.

The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a sheet metal body of appro .priate ornate configuration and shape, the

same being of gradual sloping design and formed in its top with a window through which an identification card is visible.

The principal advantage of the improved device is that of economy of manufacure and sale, as well as simplicity and neatness in design and appearance.

Another feature of the invention is predicated upon the use of a swingably mounted pointed arm which serves as an anchoring stake to maintain the marker securely in place to prevent displacementby the wind and the elements.

Other details and features will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device constructed in accordance with the present Y r invention.

Figure 2 is a transverse vertical section.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section.

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view. p

As before implied, the marker is generally designated by the numeral 5 and is primarily constructed from sheet metal. In fact, the entire body portion is made from a single sheet of metal which is stamped out to l'y'nrtd the channel defined-by the superposeilv comprise a pair of end walls 6, a reams an 7andafront wall 8. The walls 6, 7 and '8 are slanted to-thfefdd. gree shown in Figure 2 and thefront wall 8 is somewhat shorter than the rear wall so as to cause the marker to assume a for warclly and downwardly inclined position with respect to the grave; The top of the bodyis formed with airect'angular sigfhtgopenj 7 ing surrounded by a correspondingly shaped upstanding beadv 9 which definesthe outer' marginal portion ofQan ornamentalrra e. On its under side this same jbead defines a "keeper channel. Inward of thisibeatl 9 is a curvate or crimped flangeiO' whose free edge is directed outwardly, as shown better in Figure 2. These features '9 and j'lO together with the rectangular.openingprovid a framedasig'ht. p 1 next call "attention to-the numeral Tl. which indicates a card and window clamp ing member. This is formed from a single sheet of metal having a marginal attaching flange 12, acentral depressed pqition cfonstituting a card receptacle, and in'te enf-f 0 ing' V-shap ed bead 14 which fits telesco 1- It will 'be notedthat'the ponies 13 is pro; vided along the bottom edge withfan ,eloiia gated card slot 15. Th numeralglt dsia n'ates a m icalor glass panel defining a Wind w and"??? represents an identifidafiilli ca (1." This is an ordinary card of'bla'nk formhav' ing the name of "the deceased, the dateyand 6 other data characteristic of n identification gravemarker ofthis general type; K p

lncidently the numerals18 designateibqlts .r rivets cla mfpingthernarginal age 12, against the underside of the: tqp. pprtion thebody as shown inFigure '2, l

"I next call attention to apivotedgalr .19 secured by a'pivot rivetfas atj20 to th, ns e ofthe" re'ar wall/7. Theflower-.en il" of it, is pointed as shown in Figure'3. This arm" 00 is foldable from the dotted line position shown in this figure to the perpendicular anchoring position shown in full lines. In the full line position it is adapted to be imbedded in the ground for anchoring the entire marker at the head of the grave.

In practice, the card is filled out and inserted between the glass backing or ,clarnping device in slot designated as 15. Then this marker is set at the head of the grave and anchored in place by means of the foldalple stake. This holds the marker firmlyin ace.

P In use, it has beenobserved that the card rarely gets wet and does not require waterproof ink. lean, or become otherwise displaced from its anchored position. sightly. In fact, it improvesthe appearance of the grave and the general'appearance of the cemetery It is exceptionally light in weight, easy to handle and install, economical in price, yetsturdyin construction.

It may be constructed from tin or other economical .material and practically made from twopieces of material namely the body and the clamp. I It is shaped and ornamented and otherwise painted and trimmed to lend individuality thereto and to render the device suitable in fulfilling the requirements of an article of this'type.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore,',a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the in vention has been shown and described, it is to be'understood thatminor changes coming within the field of invention claimed will i be resorted to if'desired.

I'claim: t I 1; A grave'marker comprising a substantially hollow open-bottom body construct-ed of sheet metal and having its top portion formed with a centralized substantially recthe underside of said bead constituting a keeper channel, a clamping device comprising a depressed receptacle underlying the sight opening and a marginal attachingflange, said depressed portion being v formed 7 with a card slot and the surrounding marginal portion thereof being bent to form a substantially. V-shaped clamping bead, said VV-shaped bead being received in the channel.

2. A1 grave, marker comprising a substantially "hollow open-bottom body constructed 'of sheet metal and having its' top portion formed with a centralized substantially rectangular opening surrounded by a crimped flange, and anupstanding bead, the flange and bead defining an ornamental frame,and

The marker. will not go down,

It is not gruesome orunthe underside of said bead constitutinga keeper channel, a clamping device comprising a depressed receptacle underlying the 

